Oita Prefecture, located on the northeastern coast of Kyushu island, is Japan's undisputed hot-spring capital, boasting more onsen sources and volume than anywhere else in the country. The region is home to Beppu, one of Asia's most famous spa towns with its dramatic steam vents, and Yufuin, a sophisticated mountain onsen resort framed by Mount Yufu. Beyond the thermal waters, Oita offers ancient Buddhist cliff carvings at Usuki, wild monkeys bathing in hot springs at Takasakiyama, dramatic gorges at Takachiho on its border, and some of Kyushu's finest local cuisine.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Fukuoka from Beppu
Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest city, a two-hour bus ride from Beppu along the expressway, and it swaps Beppu's onsen-town pace for city shopping, a castle ruin park, and Hakata-style ramen stalls. It works as a change-of-scenery day trip rather than an extension of Beppu's hot-spring theme, and most of the day ends up split between Tenjin's shopping streets and the Hakata district near the station.
Highlights: Canal City Hakata - a shopping and entertainment complex built around an indoor canal, easy to spend a couple of hours in · Ohori Park - a large pond-centered park next to the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, good for a walk between other stops · Yatai (street food stalls) around Nakasu and Tenjin - open-air ramen and yakitori stalls that set up in the evening · Hakata Station - the transit hub itself has multiple floors of shops and restaurants (Hakata Deitos, Amu Plaza)
Usuki Stone Buddhas
The Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu) are a cluster of Heian- and Kamakura-period Buddhist images carved directly into cliff faces on the edge of Usuki city, and they hold the distinction of being the first stone sculptures in Japan designated National Treasures. The site is compact and quiet, laid out as a short walking loop through several separate carved groups rather than one large monument, so it's a half-day visit rather than a full one.
Highlights: Furuzono Stone Buddha Group - includes the Dainichi Nyorai figure, considered the finest carving in the whole site · Hoki Stone Buddha Groups - two clusters of seated and standing figures carved into the same hillside · Yamanokami Stone Buddha Group - a smaller, separate set of carvings a short walk from the main groups · Usuki's old castle town streets near the station, worth a short walk before or after the buddhas
Kuju Highland
Kuju Highland is the elevated grassland and volcanic plateau around the Kuju mountain range, reached by car in about 90 minutes from Beppu, and it's the go-to spot in the area for open-air scenery rather than temples or townscapes. The appeal is the landscape itself - rolling pasture, marshland, and mountain views - so the day is built around driving to a viewpoint or trailhead and spending time outdoors rather than checking off indoor sights.
Highlights: Chojabaru - the main visitor area and trailhead base for walks into the Kuju range, with a visitor center · Bogatsuru wetlands - a marshland plateau reached by trail from Chojabaru, known for its grassland scenery · Kuju Flower Park - a cultivated flower garden on the highland with seasonal plantings · Yamanami Highway - the scenic driving route that crosses the highland and connects Beppu toward Kuju and Aso
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
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Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
Multi-day tours from Oita
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
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Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.